Piyun Tower

　　   Piyun Tower is situated on the ancient city wall of Duanzhou to the west of Renmin Middle Road in Duanzhou District. It was first constructed in the third year of the Zhenghe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1118 AD). A three-story tower, it was originally built as a watchtower. Comprising two parts — the tower itself and a battery — it earned its name because it stands at the highest point of the western section of the city wall, where clouds often gather around it.

　　   The current Piyun Tower was rebuilt in 1989. It stands 19.3 meters tall and its exterior design is inspired by the Tengwang Pavilion in Jiangxi, the Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei, and the Feiyun Tower in Shanxi. Its internal structure is a three-story reinforced concrete building with wooden-style arched gateways. The roof features a hip-and-gable roof with a cruciform ridge. Covering an area of 300 square meters, the tower offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Inside, there are two sets of wax figures. On the ground floor, there is a scene depicting “Bao Zheng’s Inspection Tour”; on the second floor, there is a figure group representing “Emperor Yongli of the Southern Ming Dynasty in Zhaoqing.” The figures are lifelike and almost come alive. The top floor displays historical photos and calligraphy and paintings related to the tower.

　　　　   

　　   Detailed Description

　　　　   From the tower, one can enjoy sweeping views of the city and beyond. Currently, the tower houses two sets of wax figures: “Bao Zheng’s Inspection Tour” on the first floor, and “Emperor Yongli of the Southern Ming Dynasty in Zhaoqing” on the second. The top floor exhibits photographs and calligraphic works reflecting the history of the tower.
　　   The ancient city wall of Zhaoqing stretches 2,800 meters. Originally built from earth, it was expanded and reconstructed with bricks in the third year of the Zhenghe era of the Song Dynasty (1113 AD). Piyun Tower is located on the western section of the ancient city wall. Built in the third year of the Zhenghe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1113 AD), the three-story tower originally functioned as a watchtower. Owing to its location at the highest point of the city wall, often shrouded in clouds, it was named Piyun Tower (Cloud Veil Tower).
　　   The Piyun Tower seen today was rebuilt once again in 1989. Standing 19.3 meters tall, its appearance draws inspiration from classic Song-style architecture such as the Tengwang Pavilion in Jiangxi and the Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei. Its interior adopts a three-story reinforced concrete structure styled after the wooden-like arched gateway design of Guangxi’s Zhenwu Pavilion, covering a floor area of 300 square meters.
　　   From the tower, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city and its surroundings. According to historical records from Duanzhou, the tower houses two groups of wax figures: “Bao Zheng’s Inspection Tour” and “Emperor Yongli of the Southern Ming Dynasty in Zhaoqing.” The top floor displays photos and calligraphy and paintings illustrating the tower’s history.
　　   “Piyun Crane Tear” is one of the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Duanzhou.